some help for the lil guy

[jellyman]

hi im only 16 and have always wanted to build a model steam engine im really interested in metal work and genral engineering required. i have basic metal work skills and sorta no how to use a lathe, brazing etc

my mum has fiannly agreed to let me have a workshop wiv lathe. can anyone reccomend some essential tools that i will need.also if anyone can reccomend some plans for a simple engine thats good to start with thay would be great too.

my final question is when joining metal together is brazing strong enough or will i need some kind of welder aswell?

thanks again joe

[greasemonkey]

Hi Joe
Its been said before and not everyone agrees, but find your local model engineering club. Building a steam engine isn't always easy and straight forward so its good to know youv'e got people around that can help you out when you get stuck.
The most important thing to remember when buying tools is to buy the best quality you can afford.
Try starting with one of the small stationary engines as described in Tubal Cains book 'building model steam engines'. These engines are straight forward simple designs that could be built from the contents of most model engineers 'scrap boxes'. Above all have fun and don't get dishearted when things don't turn out right. I've made lots of scrap bits in my time.
Andy

[jellyman]

hi thanks for the reply

[Kane]

hey jellyman im 17 ...
i started my first loco when i was 14-15 (simplex 5") but its been on and off for the past 3 years ...so havnt made much progress.

the best advice i could give ... is join a modelengineering club.

they are very helpful and will give you all the information you need, and some will even have a workshop ..if you dont have your own tools to start with.

Kane